Kai Degner, SIMPLER Leader/ship Coach

Kai Degner

SIMPLER Leader/ship Coach

We lead and live in complexity.

You can make it SIMPLER!

More than ever, we need local leaders like you - but how can you prepare and get support through the uncertainty and complexity during and after the election?

Running for local office is a tremendous growth opportunity - but it can be complicated! Being a candidate presents numerous leadership challenges. New candidates often struggle to cut through the noise of national campaigns and make their message resonate with local voters. There’s constant pressure to align with broader party narratives while staying true to the unique needs of the community - and to your own values. Resources can be scarce, and competing for attention and funds can be daunting. Moreover, candidates face the challenge of engaging a voter base that is often fatigued or distracted by the broader political landscape and unsolcited advice, making it difficult to focus on winning.

Being elected is even more complex! Once in office, the challenges shift but don’t diminish. Newly elected officials must navigate complex political dynamics, often managing conflicting expectations from constituents and stakeholders. There’s a constant need to balance advocacy with practical governance, all while building credibility and trust in a sometimes polarized environment. Leaders must also deal with the ambiguity of measuring their impact and progress, while facing the pressure of adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. The weight of public scrutiny, managing community expectations, and the potential for burnout and self-doubt add to the difficulty of maintaining a clear vision and executing on campaign promises.

The good news? It can be SIMPLER!

More than ever, we need local leaders like you - but how can you prepare and get support through the uncertainty and complexity during and after the election?

Running for local office is a tremendous growth opportunity - but it can be complicated! New candidates often struggle to cut through the noise of national campaigns and make their message resonate with local voters. There’s constant pressure to align with broader party narratives while staying true to the unique needs of the community - and to your own values. Resources can be scarce, and competing for attention and funds can be daunting. Moreover, candidates face the challenge of engaging a voter base that is often fatigued or distracted by the broader political landscape and unsolcited advice, making it difficult to focus on winning.

The good news? It can be SIMPLER!

Expect Coach

Experienced Partner

Committed Listener

Nothing quite prepares you for local office.

Wouldn't it be nice if our previous training and jobs prepared us to run for office or serve in local leadership? Local elected and community leadership is a complex responsbility and opportunity. Every day, you're presented with questions, dilemmas, and challenges. It's easy to get confused and lose track of how you want to lead, and how to navigate decision-making while staying aligned with core values.

Should I really run for local office? Again?

Who can I trust to ask for advice or input?

How can I be sure to stay true to my values?

Join CALL Time
(It's not fundraising - it's a community of Candidates And Local Leaders navigating local leadership together)

(Yes, SIMPLER is an acronym, but we'll get to that later.)

I understand these challenges well. Having run for office four times, including local, state, and congressional races, and serving as a local elected official for eight years, I’ve been through the ups and downs of public service. Now, as a Certified Executive Coach, doctoral candidate in strategic leadership, and professor of leadership, I’ve developed a framework that simplifies the complexities of leadership development—the SIMPLER Leader/ship Framework.

That’s why I created CALL Time (Candidates And Local Leaders)—an exclusive mastermind and coaching program designed to help you sharpen your leadership skills, align your priorities, and gain the clarity you need to lead effectively. With only 3-5 seats available for this election season, this is a unique opportunity to join a community of like-minded leaders who are committed to growth.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Sign Up for Free Information: Learn more about how CALL Time and the SIMPLER Leader/ship Framework can speed up your leadership journey.

2.Fill Out a Short Application: Help us understand your goals and challenges to ensure this program is the right fit for you.

3. Schedule a Free 30-Minute Consultation: Meet with me one-on-one to discuss your leadership journey and how CALL Time can help you achieve your goals.

Don’t miss your chance to secure one of the few remaining seats. Join a program designed specifically for candidates and local leaders who are ready to take their leadership to the next level.

I look forward to partnering with you on this journey toward leadership excellence.

Sincerely,
Kai Degner, MBA
Certified Executive Coach
Doctoral Candidate in Strategic Leadership
Former Mayor and 4-Time Candidate
Professor of Leadership

P.S. Remember, there are only 3-5 seats available for this election season. Take the first step today by signing up for more information—your future self will thank you!

Kai Degner, MBA, Doctoral Candidate

Assistant Professor at University of Virginia

Certified Executive Coach

Former Mayor

Former Nonprofit Founder and Executive, and Real Estate Agent

PhD Student in Strategic Leadership Studies

My goal is to provide professionals outside perspective and help them develop useful mindsets and skillsets.

How to Start

STEP ONE

Sign Up to Get FREE SIMPLER Leader/ship Lessons in Your Inbox

I'll share with you the most important takes aways from the SIMPLER Leader/ship framework. Each letter covers an area in your control. You'll get new perspectives and tools to apply right away - just by reading the emails!

STEP TWO

See What You Can Use Immediately for Yourself or Your Team

Read the emails to see which mindsets and skillsets are most useful to you and your team(s) - any email may be exactly what you and your team can use next. The only way to know is to spend some time watching, reading, and practicing.

STEP THREE

Decide Later to Explore a Mastermind Group or Coaching Partnership

Later on, perhaps you'll want to join a small group mastermind or work together in one-on-one coaching (or refer someone else). I only host a group once or twice a year, and limit my coaching, so there's no need to worry that I'll spam you with marketing! In the meantime, you can get and use the emails for SIMPLER Leader/ship right away.

Get SIMPLER Leader/ship Lessons Free

Short micro-trainings in your inbox with theories, tools, and frameworks you can use immediately.

No high pressure sales, no gimmicks, no risk.

OK, so what is SIMPLER Leader/ship?

SIMPLER stands for seven areas of individual leader development that I find are most critical - and completely within your control.

Self-Regulate: Manage your emotions and behaviors to stay calm and focused.
Innovate: Enable opportunities to resolve natural tensions around new ideas.
Make Meaning: Create and communicate useful interpretations for what is happening in and around you and your team.
Prioritize: Focus on the most important tasks, goals, and risks.
Listen: Actively listen to understand others' perspectives and build trust. (I have new tools for this.)
Execute: Take action, amidst the busy schedule, to move yourself and others towards the goal.
Reflect: Regularly evaluate your actions and decisions to learn and improve.

But why the "/" in Leader/ship?

Sign up to find out!

Short micro-trainings in your inbox with theories, tools, and frameworks you can use immediately.

No high pressure sales, no gimmicks, no risk.

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